Question 1

An older person asks why a shingles vaccination is necessary. What should the nurse say to this person?

Accepted Answer

A)   "It's not necessary."
B)   "It will prevent the development of herpes simplex."
C)   "It prevents the development of shingles in people who have had chicken pox."
D)   "It reduces the need to have the seasonal influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations." C

Question 2

An older patient comes to the emergency department with a sudden onset of abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. What care should the nurse expect to be prescribed for this patient? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

A)   Stool culture
B)   Recent food intake
C)   Intravenous antibiotics
D)   Frequent hand washing
E)   Restriction of all oral fluids A,B,D

Question 3

An older adult with a head cold is asking for an antibiotic to heal the infection. How should the nurse respond to this patient?

Accepted Answer

A)   "You will need to take the medication for several weeks."
B)   "I'll ask the primary care provider for a prescription for you."
C)   "There is only one type of antibiotic available for your cold and you are allergic to it."
D)   "Antibiotics taken when not necessary can cause the development of other infections." D

Question 4

An older patient who recently returned from visiting family in New York spends a great deal of time outdoors and often receives mosquito bites. Which health problem should the nurse suspect when the patient reports muscle pain, fever, headache, and extreme malaise?

Accepted Answer

A)   Dementia
B)   Depression
C)   Tuberculosis
D)   West Nile virus

Question 5

The nurse notes that an older community person has quit smoking and stops visiting the neighborhood tavern on weekends. What outcome should these actions have on the person?

Accepted Answer

A)   Increased socialization
B)   Reduced physical activity
C)   Improved immune system
D)   Reduced financial income

Question 6

An older patient is demonstrating confusion. What should the nurse do first before assessing this patient's vital signs?

Accepted Answer

A)   Call the family.
B)   Notify the physician.
C)   Check the patient's baseline vital signs.
D)   Give nursing assistants the morning report.

Question 7

An older patient received a dose of tetanus diphtheria and pertussis vaccine (Tdap) at age 68. At which age should the nurse remind the patient to receive an additional dose of this vaccine?

Accepted Answer

A)   73 years
B)   78 years
C)   83 years
D)   88 years

Question 8

A 68-year-old man has not been seen by a primary care physician since age 55 and has no immunization history. Which vaccinations should be considered for this patient?

Accepted Answer

A)   Tdap, flu shot, pneumonia vaccine
B)   Flu shot, gamma shot, HepB series
C)   Meningococcal vaccine, HepB (hepatitis 
B)   series, flu shot
D)   MMR (measles-mumps-rubella)  vaccine, flu shot, pneumonia shot

Question 9

An older patient seeks medical attention for drainage from the penis. What should the nurse make a priority for this patient?

Accepted Answer

A)   Monitoring body temperature and orientation
B)   Explaining sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) 
C)   Emphasizing the need for an adequate intake of fluids each day
D)   Explaining the importance of thoroughly cleaning the genitalia

Question 10

A newly admitted resident to a nursing facility has a draining wound on the left lower leg. What should the nurse do to control the spread of microorganisms from this wound?

Accepted Answer

A)   Follow standard precautions.
B)   Wrap the wound with sterile gauze.
C)   Place an isolation gown on the resident.
D)   Cleanse the wound with soap and water.

Question 11

The nurse is instructing an older person on the ways to reduce infection. What should the nurse include about hand hygiene? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

A)   Use soap.
B)   Use water.
C)   Air dry the hands.
D)   Use friction for 15 seconds.
E)   Apply alcohol rub after washing.

Question 12

An older person is surprised to learn that he has chronic bacteremia. What should the nurse encourage the patient to do to limit the extent of this infection?

Accepted Answer

A)   Restrict fluids.
B)   Increase fluids.
C)   Increase the amount of daily exercise.
D)   Limit the intake of fruits and vegetables.

Question 13

The nurse notes that dog excrement is on the kitchen floor of an older adult. What should the nurse suggest to the older person?

Accepted Answer

A)   Wipe the floor with damp paper towels.
B)   Place the excrement in the kitchen trash.
C)   Place a litter box in the kitchen for the dog.
D)   Protect the skin when cleaning the excrement.

Question 14

The nurse is assessing an older patient's home environment. Which areas should be assessed that affect immunity? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

A)   Review of pets and pet care
B)   Inspection of tooth care items
C)   Review of the location of throw rugs
D)   Review of the frequency of yard care
E)   Review of food preparation and storage

Exam 13: Infection